Sources of Noise
Noise can originate from a variety of sources. These sources can be natural or man-made. The natural sources could be thunder, sea-shores etc. but exposure to them is not very regular and the number of people exposed to it form only a small percentage of the total population.Noise pollution caused by man-made sources is the major contributor and needs urgent attention.
These sources of noise are as follows:(i) Industries
Various industries such as iron and steel, automobiles, power plants, textiles, petroleum, fertilizers etc. involve operations such as drilling, mining, forging, blasting, boiler use etc. The workers are exposed to the noise levels of 80-90 dB in such industries.
(ii) Domestic Sources
Our homes are full of gadgets which generate noise. These household gadgets include TV, radio, music systems, telephones, air-conditioners, coolers, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, food processors, pressure cookers etc.The noise generated by them has become a routine for us.
(iii) Transport and Traffic
Both air traffic and surface transport are responsible for the noise pollution. Taking of jet planes generates a lot of noise. It is a nuisance to those who live in areas near the airports where there is a lot of air traffic.
Surface transport is one of the major sources of noise pollution in big cities. The number of commuters and vehicles is increasing enormously day by day. The horns from cars, buses, trucks, auto rickshaws, bikes, two-wheelers cause a lot of nuisance. The average noise levels on city roads are reported around 90 dB. Similar noise levels exist near railway tracks.
(iv) Construction Activities
The developmental activities and urbanization has led to a great deal of construction work which includes construction of bridges, metro rail services, flyovers, subways, roads, residential and commercial complexes.
Large equipments, mixers, cranes operate at construction site and cause a lot of disturbance in the adjoining areas.(v) Festivals and Religious Activities
India is known for its diverse cultures. The people here celebrate quite a good number of festivals with great pomp and show. These often generate a lot of noise. Deepawali being one such festival.
There are other religious functions and activities which use public address systems such as loud speakers and other aids for attracting public attention. Although, these practices are liked by many but may cause problems to others.
(vi) Workplaces
Typewriters, Telephone rings, hot discussions, mobile phones, general conversations, strikes, union meeting etc. are some routine sources of noise which do not allow concentration at work and hence hamper the efficiency and productivity.
(vii) Market Places, Malls, Restaurants, Fairs, Exhibitions
There is no quiet comer anywhere. Wherever you go, places are full of people. There is problem of honking horns, people chatting, children crying or youngsters making fun. All these noises are annoying. They disrupt pleasure, cause fatigue and affect peace of mind.
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